Capita has been selected to deliver a shared software solution for Surrey and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services.
The partnership will allow all mission critical command and control functions to be managed across both services from one platform.
Following a detailed assessment of the options available to both Fire Services, the current Surrey Fire and Rescue Service VisionDS solution will be expanded to encompass operational fire control, mobilising, call handling and incident management for West Sussex, creating a single combined system.
This approach will enable West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to exploit an innovative and proven operational system with minimal disruption to its working practices, as well as delivering a cost-effective option that offer’s best value to the citizens and communities of both Surrey and West Sussex. Capita has closely engaged with both services to identify ways to support collaboration and deliver best value.
George Greig, Chief Delivery Officer, Capita Communications and Control Solutions, said: "The extension of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service’s command and control management to include the West Sussex region not only makes good financial and operational sense, it will also provide a seamless platform across both regions. Our team worked very closely with both fire services to make sure our solution is ideally placed to meet their needs and deliver mission critical and life-saving services for people across both counties."
Steve Owen Hughes, Chief Fire Officer, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We are delighted to be able to support this exciting initiative with our colleagues in West Sussex. The support offered by the Capita team has been both welcome and highly valued and we look forward to completing this project and maintaining our positive and strong working relationship with them."
Gavin Watts, Chief Fire Officer, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We’ve seen first-hand how effective this platform has been for our neighbouring service, and we are looking forward to continuing our partnership with Capita to implement the system for West Sussex. This is a proven operational system which will not only deliver an effective mobilising solution but also provides the basis for a collaborative approach to managing data and information."
